"Wards 28 & 26"

I was admitted to Ward 28 as an emergency further to visiting A&E at Leicester Royal. It was an unexpected 4 night stay which resulted in a scan and a ERCP procedure to remove a Gall Stone Blocking a duct. Ward 28 - 1st 2 nights - this is a busy ward by it's nature with many beds. Although I was in pain I was glad I could walk, talk, go to the loo and ask questions - otherwise I feel this would be a scary place to be (my drip had ran out at 6.30am - it eventually was replaced at 10.45am after repeatedly asking for this, thankfully I had the energy to ask). I helped my fellow patient when I could as the ward was so busy it was quicker than waiting for a member of staff to help. They did the best they could but there is a lack of information, again, you need to ask and ask again as things are forgotten. Ward 26 - I moved here for my procedure. This was a side ward off a male ward but it was quiet (as quiet as a hospital can be), clean and felt calmer as there were only 4 womens beds. The nursing staff, carers, tea ladies, cleaners were amazing - helpful, friendly and if they went to do something they did it (not forget and never come back!!). I cannot fault the level of dedication, care and attention and they made a scary experience a lot easier. Overall I was admitted to A&E Sunday night and left the General on Thursday after being investigated, diagnosed and partially treated (have to go back again). I am thankful to the NHS for that. However - there seems to be a lack of communication regarding if and when you are having certain procedures therefore you can be nil by mouth for a day before you are told your procedure will now be tomorrow!! There needs to be some clarity between what the doctors say and when this will be happening (you are either on the list or not). I feel sorry for the nurses regarding the alarms people have to summons them (I didn't have to use it this time). There needs to be something to distinguish an urgent need for attention and one that can wait. One lady nearly defecated in her bed as she had had been given an enema but needed assistance to go to the loo. There was no-one about but luckily I could help - there is a difference between that and someone needing some more water - how do they distinguish???

Responses

Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments about your experienceon Ward 28 at Leicester General Hospital. We realise a significant amount of time has passed since you posted your comment and we would like to sincerely apologise that we did respond to in a timely manner. We have passed both your positive and negative comments onto the Matron of Ward 28 to share with the team. We have since updated our process of responding to reviews posted on NHS Choices and are now committed to making sure we respond to comments within 21 days of the date they are posted. If you would still like you comment or concern to be investigated, please contact PILS on 08081 788337 or online at www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/patients/patient-welfare/patient-information-and-liaison-service/contact-form/. If you have any other specific questions or comments, please feel free to contact us on communications@uhl-tr.nhs.uk. Thank you Communications Team Leicester’s Hospitals